Algebra 2 Accelerated Syllabus for 2015 – 2016
Mr. M. Hardie (Matthew.Hardie@spps.org)
Ms. Lodge (Fiona.Lodge@spps.org)
Ms. Hayman (Ellen.Hayman@spps.org)
Ms Hosfield (patti.hosfield@spps.org)
The Accelerated program is for students who plan to on attending post secondary and thrive on mathematical
challenges. Students who drop from Algebra 2 Accelerated will go into Algebra 2 Regular, which is also a college
preparatory course. The most important thing is that students are in an appropriate level in which they learn the math.
Students that do not build the foundation will continue to struggle throughout their math career.
The Syllabus
This form is used to specify the course content, objectives, grading criteria, materials needed, and expectations of the
student enrolled in this course. Parents/Guardians should review the contents of this syllabus with their student, and
both parent/guardian and student should fill out the Math Student Form which is a Google Form providing contact
information and a survey about the student.
Math Student Form: http://tinyurl.com/MathStudentForm
Prerequisite: Qualified students who have completed Algebra 1 and Geometry, both at the Accelerated or honors
level, with an average grade of B or higher. In the St. Paul Public School System, the prerequisite course is
Geometry Accelerated.
1. Course Content
This is a complete high school Algebra 2 course. Topics studied in Algebra 2 include Foundations for
Functions, Linear Functions, Linear Systems, Matrices, Quadratic Functions, Polynomial Functions,
Exponential and Logarithmic Functions, Rational and Radical Functions, Properties and Attributes of
Functions, Conic Sections, Probability and Statistics, Sequences and Series and Trigonometric Functions.
Additionally this course is an International Baccalaureate Middle Year’s Program (MYP) level 5 (year 5),
which is preparation for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB). MYP focuses on expanding
and deepening students in the areas of knowledge and understanding, investigating patterns, communication,
and reflection through several tests, investigations, and real world applications throughout the year.
2. Materials Needed
- iPad (provided by school)
- Holt Algebra 2 textbook (provided by the school and available online)
- A graphing calculator. Calculators from the Texas Instrument series of TI-83 or TI-84 are preferred.
Students choosing to use other graphing calculators should be prepared to learn the necessary calculator
procedures outside of regular class time. The teacher will use a TI-83 or TI-84 for class demonstrations
and lectures. A calculator will be required for tests/quizzes. An iPad will not be permitted on tests/quizzes.
- Sharpened pencil, a ruler (such as the ruler provided in the Student Planner), and a notebook with folders
to take notes, do assignments, and keep handouts.
3. Course Website
Students will have access through Google Drive to assignments, PowerPoint presentations, videos, notes, reminders,
calendar, informal assessments, and answer keys.
The Algebra 2 Accelerated Student Folder can be accessed: http://tinyurl.com/Alg2Accel
The Holt textbook publishers have a website. The website includes the entire textbook, with all explanations,
examples and problems. It includes videos of explanations as well. Below is the website, username, and password to
access the online textbooks Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2, as well as other resources.
Website: http://my.hrw.com
USERNAME: algebratwo8
PASSWORD: centralmath
There are other resources available not provided by the teachers such as Khan Academy, YouTube videos, and just
searching for help. It is expected that students take the initiative to find the help necessary for them to succeed, which
include not only online resources but also other classmates, and tutoring before or after school. There are 13 math
teachers at Central meaning that a math teacher is almost always available before or after school.
4. Course Objectives
-Learn course content
-Use writing to increase retention of content, develop clarity of expression and justify mathematical reasoning
through tests, investigations, and real world applications with a particular focus on knowledge and
understanding, investigating patterns, communication, and reflection.
-Prepare for Pre-Calculus, the next course in the mathematics sequence, and to partially achieve the content
goals for preparing for the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment in Mathematics.
-Develop analysis and problem solving skills needed for other high school subjects and post high school
education and employment. Our goal is to produce students that engage in mathematical thinking before
mathematical computation.
-Help students take initiative in enhancing their education to become self-motivated, life-long learners that
can overcome any obstacle.
5. Evaluation
Evaluation will vary somewhat according to the instructors, but will follow these general guidelines
percentages with essentially these proportional point breakdowns: Note: Points are abbreviated as pts
Quizzes and Tests 75% with Quizzes = 50 pts, & Tests = 100 pts
Daily Work: 25%
MYP: 0% for reporting raw scores.
MYP will still count toward the students’ grade by translating the raw score into points
in either the Daily Work or the Quizzes and Tests categories as appropriate.
● Grading will be: 100-90% is an A; 89-80% is a B; 79-70% is a C; 69-60% is a D.
● Grading breakdowns are A+ is 100 – 98%, A is 97 – 93%, A- is 92 – 90%, etc. The cut off for each
mark is on the 8s, 3s, and 0s.
Students must earn a minimum of 60% overall to earn credit for the course.
6. Attendance Policy
Regular, punctual attendance is required and necessary. All absences and tardies will be handled according to
school policies as outlined in the student handbook. There is NO LATE HOMEWORK! Homework will only
be accepted because of an excused absence. Each instructor will set policy for making up missed work due to
excused absences. If students miss a test or quiz then they must make up that test or quiz. Generally speaking,
tests and quizzes need to be made up before or after school, not during regular class time. There are NO
RETAKE TESTS or QUIZZES!
7. OVERALL SUMMARY
●
●
NO LATE HOMEWORK
NO RETAKE TESTS OR QUIZZES
unless absent.
● We have high expectations of our students. We must adhere to all state and district mandates. This course
maintains a high level of rigor to ensure the students are prepared for higher level mathematics.
● Every student comes into this course with different backgrounds and varying levels of mathematics; it is
imperative that students take the initiative to get their mathematics to the level of expectation. Some
students may require more time and effort than others. The online resources may be helpful but
TUTORING BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!